Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 41 other bipartisan attorneys general have called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that the next operator of the National Human Trafficking Hotline cooperates more effectively with local law enforcement. This request follows concerns that the current operator, Polaris, is not adequately sharing critical information about potential human trafficking cases.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson stated, “The Human Trafficking Hotline only works if law enforcement can respond to potential crimes as quickly as possible. Any delay in these tips getting to the right place puts lives at risk. Every second counts in these situations – that’s why we’re asking the federal government to make sure the next operator of this hotline communicates better with law enforcement.”
The Hotline plays a crucial role in forwarding tips of suspected human trafficking to local authorities, enabling the arrest of traffickers and the recovery of victims. Polaris, which has operated the Hotline since 2007 with congressional funding, has been criticized for not forwarding third-party tips about adult victims to state law enforcement in a timely manner. In some cases, these tips have taken several months to reach the authorities, hindering swift action.
The HHS is in the process of selecting a new Hotline operator, with a requirement to develop a plan for working with law enforcement.
Attorney General Jackson was joined by Attorneys General from various states, including Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arkansas, California, and others, in signing a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., advocating for change.
###
